System and method for wireless connected device prioritization in a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A method and system for managing electronic devices in a vehicle including establishing operable connections for computer communication between electronic devices and the vehicle in a vehicle network and communicating device characteristics between each electronic device and the vehicle. The device characteristics are stored at a data storage device and the device characteristics include at least one or more data types capable of transmission between each electronic device and the vehicle. Assigning a priority to each electronic device based on the device characteristics and a priority rules set stored at the data storage device and controlling data transmission between each electronic device and the vehicle based on the priority.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.62/142,288 filed on Apr. 2, 2015.

BACKGROUND

Connected vehicle technology provides limited connectivity of anelectronic device to a primary wireless connection, not multiplewireless connections using different wireless protocols. For example, anelectronic device can be connected to a vehicle via a first wirelesstechnology (e.g., Bluetooth) or a second wireless technology (e.g.,Wi-Fi). However, multiple electronic devices using different wirelessprotocols can be available to a vehicle and provide different types ofinformation to the vehicle. For example, a vehicle is capable ofconnecting to one or more electronic devices, such as, a personalelectronic device, a smart phone, a tablet, a wearable computing device,among others. The electronic devices can be associated with and/or inpossession of one or more vehicle occupants or other biological beings.By handling multiple connections to multiple electronic devices, thevehicle can optimize the information available from the electronicdevices in an efficient manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect, a method for managing electronic devices in avehicle includes establishing operable connections for computercommunication between electronic devices and the vehicle in a vehiclenetwork and communicating device characteristics between each electronicdevice and the vehicle. The device characteristics are stored at a datastorage device and the device characteristics include at least one ormore data types capable of transmission between each electronic deviceand the vehicle. The method includes assigning a priority to eachelectronic device based on the device characteristics and a priorityrules set stored at the data storage device and controlling datatransmission between each electronic device and the vehicle based on thepriority.

According to another aspect, a system for managing electronic devices ina vehicle includes a processor and a wireless connection moduleexecutable by the processor that establishes operable connections forcomputer communication between electronic devices and the vehicle in avehicle network. The wireless connection module identifies devicecharacteristics for each electronic device. The device characteristicsinclude at least one or more data types capable of transmission betweeneach electronic device and the vehicle. The system includes aprioritization module executable by the processor that assigns apriority to each electronic device based on the device characteristicsand a priority rules set stored at a data storage device. The datastorage device is operably connected for computer communication to theprocessor. The wireless connection module executable by the processorcontrols data transmission between each electronic device and thevehicle based on the priority assigned by the prioritization module.

According to a further aspect, a non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer,causes the computer to perform a method that includes establishingoperable connections for computer communication between electronicdevices and a vehicle in a vehicle network and receiving devicecharacteristics between each electronic device and the vehicle. Themethod includes storing the device characteristics at a data storagedevice. The device characteristics include one or more data typescapable of transmission between each electronic device and the vehicle.The method includes determining a priority for each electronic devicebased on the device characteristics and a priority rules set andcontrolling data transmission between each electronic device and thevehicle based on the priority.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the disclosure areset forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, likeparts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the samenumerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn toscale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalizedform in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself,however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects andadvances thereof, will be best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description of illustrative embodiments when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle operably connected forcomputer communication with electronic devices according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an illustrative system for managing theelectronic devices with the vehicle of FIG. 1 according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram of managing electronic devices with avehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram of establishing operable connectionsbetween electronic devices and the vehicle according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram of a detailed process for establishingoperable connections between electronic devices and the vehicle of themethod shown in FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a table illustrating exemplary electronic device data (e.g.,device characteristics) stored at a data storage device according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a table illustrating an exemplary connection slot list withpriority information stored at a data storage device according to anexemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 7B is a table illustrating another exemplary connection slot listwith priority information stored at a data storage device according toanother exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein.The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components thatfall within the scope of a term and that can be used for implementation.The examples are not intended to be limiting.

A “bus,” as used herein, refers to an interconnected architecture thatis operably connected to other computer components inside a computer orbetween computers. The bus can transfer data between the computercomponents. The bus can be a memory bus, a memory controller, aperipheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch, and/or a local bus,among others. The bus can also be a vehicle bus that interconnectscomponents inside a vehicle using protocols such as Media OrientedSystems Transport (MOST), Controller Area network (CAN), LocalInterconnect Network (LIN), among others.

“Computer communication,” as used herein, refers to a communicationbetween two or more computing devices (e.g., computer, personal digitalassistant, cellular telephone, network device) and can be, for example,a network transfer, a file transfer, an applet transfer, an email, ahypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) transfer, and so on. A computercommunication can occur across, for example, a wireless system (e.g.,IEEE 802.11), an Ethernet system (e.g., IEEE 802.3), a token ring system(e.g., IEEE 802.5), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), a point-to-point system, a circuit switching system, a packetswitching system, among others.

A “disk,” as used herein can be, for example, a magnetic disk drive, asolid state disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, a Zip drive,a flash memory card, and/or a memory stick. Furthermore, the disk can bea CD-ROM (compact disk ROM), a CD recordable drive (CD-R drive), a CDrewritable drive (CD-RW drive), and/or a digital video ROM drive (DVDROM). The disk can store an operating system that controls or allocatesresources of a computing device.

A “memory,” as used herein can include volatile memory and/ornon-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include, for example, ROM(read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM(erasable PROM), and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatilememory can include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronousRAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double datarate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory canstore an operating system that controls or allocates resources of acomputing device.

A “module,” as used herein, includes, but is not limited to,non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions,instructions in execution on a machine, hardware, firmware, software inexecution on a machine, and/or combinations of each to perform afunction(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action fromanother module, method, and/or system. A module may also include logic,a software controlled microprocessor, a discrete logic circuit, ananalog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmed logic device, a memorydevice containing executing instructions, logic gates, a combination ofgates, and/or other circuit components. Multiple modules may be combinedinto one module and single modules may be distributed among multiplemodules.

An “operable connection,” or a connection by which entities are“operably connected,” is one in which signals, physical communications,and/or logical communications can be sent and/or received. An operableconnection can include a wireless interface, a physical interface, adata interface, and/or an electrical interface.

A “processor,” as used herein, processes signals and performs generalcomputing and arithmetic functions. Signals processed by the processorcan include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions,processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, or other meansthat can be received, transmitted and/or detected. Generally, theprocessor can be a variety of various processors including multiplesingle and multicore processors and co-processors and other multiplesingle and multicore processor and co-processor architectures. Theprocessor can include various modules to execute various functions.

A “portable device” and/or an “electronic device” as used herein, is acomputing device typically having a display screen with user input(e.g., touch, keyboard) and a processor for computing. Portable devicesinclude, but are not limited to, handheld devices, mobile devices, smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearable computing devices, and e-readers.

A “vehicle,” as used herein, refers to any moving vehicle that iscapable of carrying one or more human occupants and is powered by anyform of energy. The term “vehicle” includes, but is not limited to cars,trucks, vans, minivans, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, boats, go-karts,amusement ride cars, rail transport, personal watercraft, and aircraft.In some cases, a motor vehicle includes one or more engines. Further,the term “vehicle” can refer to an electric vehicle (EV) that is capableof carrying one or more human occupants and is powered entirely orpartially by one or more electric motors powered by an electric battery.The EV can include battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybridelectric vehicles (PHEV). The term “vehicle” can also refer to anautonomous vehicle and/or self-driving vehicle powered by any form ofenergy. The autonomous vehicle may or may not carry one or more humanoccupants. Further, the term “vehicle” can include vehicles that areautomated or non-automated with pre-determined paths or free-movingvehicles.

A “vehicle system”, as used herein can include, but is not limited to,any automatic or manual systems that can be used to enhance the vehicle,driving and/or safety. Exemplary vehicle systems include, but are notlimited to: an electronic stability control system, an anti-lock brakesystem, a brake assist system, an automatic brake prefill system, a lowspeed follow system, a cruise control system, a collision warningsystem, a collision mitigation braking system, an auto cruise controlsystem, a lane departure warning system, a blind spot indicator system,a lane keep assist system, a navigation system, a transmission system,brake pedal systems, an electronic power steering system, visual devices(e.g., camera systems, proximity sensor systems), a climate controlsystem, an electronic pretensioning system, a monitoring system, apassenger detection system, a vehicle suspension system, a vehicle seatconfiguration system, a vehicle cabin lighting system, an audio system,a sensory system, among others.

A “vehicle occupant”, as used herein can include, but is not limited to,one or more biological beings located in the vehicle. The vehicleoccupant can be a driver or a passenger of the vehicle. The vehicleoccupant can be a human (e.g., an adult, a child, an infant) or ananimal (e.g., a pet, a dog, a cat).

A “wearable computing device”, as used herein can include, but is notlimited to, a computing device component (e.g., a processor) withcircuitry that can be worn or attached to user. In other words, awearable computing device is a computer that is subsumed into thepersonal space of a user. Wearable computing devices can include adisplay and can include various sensors for sensing and determiningvarious parameters of a user. For example, location, motion, andphysiological parameters, among others. Some wearable computing deviceshave user input and output functionality. Exemplary wearable computingdevices can include, but are not limited to, watches, glasses, clothing,gloves, hats, shirts, jewelry, rings, earrings necklaces, armbands,shoes, earbuds, headphones, personal wellness devices, collars, andleashes.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating one or more exemplary embodiments and not for purposes oflimiting same, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 formanaging electronic devices with a vehicle 102. In FIG. 1, the vehicle102 includes a vehicle computing device 104 (VCD) (e.g., a telematicsunit, a head unit, an electronic control unit) that includes hardwareand software for managing connections of electronic devices ED₁ . . .ED_(n) (e.g., a plurality of electronic devices, one or more electronicdevices) to the vehicle 102. The electronic devices ED₁ . . . ED_(n) areoperably connected for computer communication to the vehicle 102, forexample, via the VCD 104. For example, the electronic devices ED₁ . . .ED_(n) each have an operable wireless connection (indicated by arrows)to the vehicle 102. The electronic devices ED₁ . . . ED_(n), the vehicle102, the VCD 104 and connections thereto can be part of a vehiclenetwork, allowing for data transmission between components of thevehicle network.

The electronic devices ED₁ . . . ED_(n) can include portable devices,smart devices, mobile phones, wearable computing devices, among others.The electronic devices ED₁ . . . ED_(n) can be associated with a userand/or in possession of a user. The user can be a vehicle occupantlocated in the vehicle 102. In some embodiments, one or more of theelectronic devices ED₁ . . . ED_(n) can be associated and/or inpossession of different users. In some embodiments, more than oneelectronic device ED₁ . . . ED_(n) can be associated and/or in thepossession of the same user.

In FIG. 1, each wireless connection from the electronic devices ED₁ . .. ED_(n) to the vehicle 102 are facilitated by a wireless protocol, forexample Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. Accordingly, the systems and methods discussedherein can manage connections of electronic devices with different types(e.g., more than one type) of wireless protocols between the electronicdevices ED₁ . . . ED_(n) and the vehicle 102. For purposes ofillustration in FIG. 1, the electronic devices 106 (i.e., ED₁ . . . ED₃)are operably connected for computer communication to the vehicle 102using Bluetooth. The electronic devices 108 (i.e., ED₄ . . . ED₆) areoperably connected for computer communication to the vehicle 102 usingWi-Fi. It is understood that the electronic devices can be operativelyconnected for computer communication to the vehicle 102 using otherwireless technologies, for example near field communication (NFC),ZigBee, cellular data connections, mobile satellite communications,among others.

Generally, the VCD 104 can manage data transmission between eachelectronic device ED₁ . . . ED_(n) and the vehicle 102. For example, theVCD 104 can control data throughput for each electronic device ED₁ . . .ED_(n) based on device characteristics, which will be described in moredetail herein. Accordingly, the VCD 104 can optimize data transfer andthe data available from each of the electronic devices ED₁ . . . ED_(n).The system 100 of FIG. 1 will now be described in more detail withreference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of anillustrative system 200 for managing electronic devices with the vehicle102 of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The components ofthe system 200, as well as the components of other systems, hardwarearchitectures, and software architectures discussed herein, can becombined, omitted, or organized into different architectures for variousembodiments. FIG. 2 will be described with reference to components ofFIG. 1.

Similar to FIG. 1, the system 200 includes a vehicle computing device(VCD) 202 with provisions for processing, communicating and interactingwith various components of the vehicle 102 and other components of thesystem 200. In one embodiment, the VCD 202 can be implemented with thevehicle 102 (e.g., VCD 104), for example, as part of a telematics unit,a head unit, an electronic control unit, among others. In otherembodiments, the VCD 202 can be implemented remotely from the vehicle102, for example, with an electronic device or another device connectedvia a network.

Generally, the VCD 202 can include various components such as aprocessor 204, a memory 206, a data storage device 208 (e.g., a datastore, a disk, which can be on-board or off-board the vehicle) and acommunication interface 210, which are each operably connected forcomputer communication via a bus 212 and/or other wired and wirelesstechnologies. The communication interface 210 provides software andhardware to facilitate data input and output between the components ofthe VCD 202 and other components, networks, and data sources describedherein. In FIG. 2, the processor 204 includes a wireless connectionmodule 214 and a prioritization module 216 that facilitate managingelectronic devices connections with the vehicle 102. In someembodiments, the wireless connection module 214 and/or theprioritization module 216 can be part of the memory 206 and/or thecommunication interface 210.

The VCD 202 is also operably connected for computer communication to oneor more vehicle systems and sensors 220. Vehicle systems can include,but are not limited to, any automatic or manual systems that can be usedto enhance the vehicle, driving, and/or safety. The VCD 202 can receivevehicle data (e.g., data about one or more vehicle systems, data aboutthe vehicle environment) from the vehicle systems and sensors 220. Asdiscussed above with FIG. 1, the VCD 202 is also operatively connectedfor computer communication to electronic devices. In FIG. 2, the VCD 202is operably connected for computer communication to an electronic device222. For simplicity, one electronic device is shown in FIG. 2. However,it is understood that multiple electronic devices (e.g., more than oneelectronic device ED₁ . . . ED_(n)), as shown in FIG. 1, can beimplemented with the components of FIG. 2.

Similar to the VCD 202, the electronic device 222 can include aprocessor 224, a memory 226 and a communication interface 228. Theelectronic device 222 can also include other hardware and softwarecomponents not shown. It is understood that the components of theelectronic device 222 can be the same or similar to components in any ofthe electronic devices ED₁ . . . ED_(n) operably connected for computercommunication to the vehicle 102. The connection between the VCD 202 andthe electronic device 222 can be facilitated in various ways. Thecommunication interface 210 can maintain a vehicle network between theVCD 202, the electronic device 222, the network 230 and other componentsof the vehicle 102. The vehicle network is a communication networkallowing data transmission between these components and the vehicle 102.

The network 230 is, for example, a data network, the Internet, a widearea network or a local area network. The network serves as acommunication medium to various remote devices (e.g., databases, webservers, remote servers, application servers, intermediary servers,client machines, other portable devices). As discussed above, in someembodiments, electronic device 222 can be included in the network 230,accessed by the VCD 202 through the network 230, and/or the network 230can access the electronic device 222. Thus, as will be described herein,the VCD 202 can stream, transmit, and receive data between the VCD 202and the electronic device 222 either directly or via the network 230.

As will be described in detail herein, the VCD 202 can establishconnections between each electronic device ED₁ . . . ED_(n) and thevehicle 102 based, in part, on a connection slot list 232 stored at thedata storage device 208. For example, establishing connections betweenthe electronic devices and the vehicle can include determining if aconnection slot is available (e.g., open) on a connection slot list 232.Further, the VCD 202 can manage data transmission between eachelectronic device ED₁ . . . ED_(n) and the vehicle 102 based, in part,on device characteristics data 234 and a priority rules set 236, both ofwhich can be stored at the data storage device 208. It is understood theconnection slot list 232, the device characteristics data 234 and/or thepriority rules set 236 can be stored at the memory 206 and/or can bestored off-board the vehicle 102, for example, in a data storage deviceaccessed via the network 230.

The operation of the components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a process flow diagramillustrating managing electronic devices with a vehicle according to anexemplary embodiment. At block 302, the method includes establishingoperable connections for computer communication between electronicdevices and the vehicle in a vehicle network. For example, the wirelessconnection module 214 executable by the processor 204 establishesoperable connections for computer communication between electronicdevices ED₁ . . . ED_(n) and the vehicle 102 in a vehicle network. Asdiscussed above, the communication interface 210 can maintain a vehiclenetwork between the VCD 202, the electronic device 222, the network 230and other components of the vehicle 102. The vehicle network is acommunication network allowing data transmission between thesecomponents and the vehicle 102.

Further, at block 304, the method includes communicating devicecharacteristics between each electronic device and the vehicle. Thedevice characteristics are stored at a data storage device. The devicecharacteristics can include at least one or more data types capable oftransmission between each electronic device and the vehicle. In someembodiments, the method can include receiving and/or identifying devicecharacteristics from each electronic device at the vehicle. In oneembodiment, the wireless connection module 214 receives devicecharacteristics for each electronic device. In another embodiment, thewireless connection module 214 receives device characteristics for eachelectronic device from the data storage device 208 (e.g., stored asdevice characteristics data 234). The wireless connection module 214 canstore and/or retrieve the device characteristics at the data storagedevice 208 (e.g., stored as device characteristics data 234). The devicecharacteristics can include data about the electronic device and/or auser associated (e.g., owned, in possession of) the electronic device.In some embodiments, the device characteristics can be stored in thememory 206 and/or the data storage device 208. In FIG. 2, the devicecharacteristics are stored as device characteristics data (e.g.,electronic device data) 234 in the data storage device 208.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a table of exemplary device characteristicsdata 234 stored at the data storage device 208 according to an exemplaryembodiment is shown. The table 600 and the device characteristics datashown in the table 600 is illustrative in nature and it is understoodthat other types of data and examples can be implemented. The datastorage device 208 can store all relevant information (e.g., devicecharacteristics data 234) about each electronic device's connection(e.g., pairing codes, IMEI, serial number, data types available,wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) capabilities). This information caninclude both active devices (e.g., currently connected for computercommunication) and non-active devices (e.g., not currently connected forcomputer communication, but were connected at some point in time withthe vehicle 102). It is understood, that in some embodiments, some orall of the device characteristics data 234, can be stored off-board thevehicle and/or in the memory 206.

As shown in FIG. 6, a connected device ID associated with the electronicdevice is stored. The connected device ID can be received from each ofthe plurality of electronic devices. Alternatively, the wirelessconnection module 214 can assign a connected device ID to each of theplurality of electronic devices. In table 600, the devicecharacteristics include a connected device type, a connection type, adevice location, data types, and other characteristics. The connecteddevice type identifies the type of electronic device. For example, awearable computing device, a smart phone, a fitness band, a smart watch,an MP3 player, a dog collar, among others. The connection typeidentifies the type of wireless connection active between the vehicleand the electronic devices. For example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, amongothers.

The device location defines the location of the electronic device in thevehicle. The device location in table 600 is a textual description withrespect to the vehicle. However, the device location received from theelectronic device (e.g., as device characteristic data) can benumerical. For example, coordinates, degrees, radians, among others. Insome embodiments, the wireless connection module 214 can determine thedevice location relative to the vehicle based on the numerical locationdata and vehicle location data. In other embodiments, the devicelocation could include motion information.

The data type identifies data type(s) provided by the electronic deviceand/or data type(s) capable of being provided and/or sensed by theelectronic device. Thus, the device characteristics include at least oneor more data types capable of transmission between each electronicdevice and the vehicle. For example, a data type can be a health datatype that provides health information (e.g., heart rate, breath rate,respiratory rate, sweat data, among other types of physiological,biological, and autonomic health information) from the electronicdevice. For example, a fitness band can provide health data, amongothers. A data type can be an activity data type that provides activityinformation (e.g., accelerometer information, directional information)from the electronic device. For example, a smart phone can providemotion data, among others.

A data type can be a notification and/or an alert that providesnotifications and/or alerts (e.g., reminders, alarms, notifications fromapplications on the electronic device) from the electronic device. Forexample, a smart phone can provide a calendar notification, an alarmalert, among others. A data type can be a streaming data type thatprovides streaming media information (e.g., music, videos, and othermedia content) from the electronic device. For example, an MP3 playercan provide streaming audio content, among others. A data type can be aremote control data type that provides remote control of one or morefeatures (e.g., controls vehicle features) from the electronic device.For example, a smart phone can provide remote control of a vehicleinfotainment system, among others.

Further, other types of data can be received and stored from each of theplurality of electronic devices. These other types of data can becategorized as a data type (e.g., demographic data type, social mediadata type) or can be stored separately as shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6,the table 600 includes other characteristics received from each of theelectronic devices. For example, an age and/or type of biological beingassociated with each of the plurality of electronic devices. As will bediscussed in further detail herein, the device characteristics data ofeach of the plurality of electronic devices can be used to assign apriority to each of the electronic devices.

Referring again to FIG. 3, blocks 302 and 304 will now be described inmore detail with FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram ofestablishing operable connections between electronic devices and thevehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. At block 402, the methodcan include discovering one or more electronic devices. For example, thewireless connection module 214 and/or the communication interface 210can be set to a discovery mode searching for electronic devices toconnect to the VCD 202. In some embodiments, an electronic device cantransmit a request to the VCD 202 to establish a connection. It isunderstood that various techniques can be used to identify and connectelectronic devices ED₁ . . . ED_(n) to the VCD 202. Block 402 will bediscussed in further detail herein with FIG. 5.

At block 404, as discussed above with FIG. 3, the method includesreceiving device characteristics. For example, the wireless connectionmodule 214 can receive a device ID from one or more of the electronicdevices. In other embodiments, the wireless connection module 214 canreceive a device ID and other device characteristics (discussed above)from one or more electronic devices ED₁ . . . ED_(n). At block 406, itis determined if a connection has been previously established with thevehicle. For example, the wireless connection module 214 can transmit aquery to the data storage device 208 (e.g., the device characteristicsdata 234) with the device ID to determine if a connection has previouslybeen established between the electronic device and the vehicle 102. Ifthe determination at block 406 is NO, the method includes at block 408,storing the device characteristics. For example, the wireless connectionmodule 214 can store the device characteristics at the data storagedevice 208 as device characteristics data 234. Upon storing the devicecharacteristics, the method can proceed to block 412.

If the determination at block 406 is YES, the wireless connection module214 can determine if the device characteristics have changed at block410. For example, the wireless connection module 214 can compare thedevice characteristics received at block 404 with the devicecharacteristics stored at the data storage device 208 for the particulardevice (e.g., by querying the data storage device 208 with the deviceID). If the determination at block 410 is YES, the method includes atblock 408, storing and/or updating the device characteristics asdiscussed above. Upon storing and/or updating the devicecharacteristics, the method can proceed to block 412. If thedetermination at block 410 is NO, the method can proceed to block 412including establishing a connection between the electronic device andthe vehicle. It is appreciated that transmission of some or all devicecharacteristics can occur after establishing a connection at block 412.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a process flow diagram of a detailed processfor establishing operable connections between electronic devices and thevehicle of the method shown in FIG. 4 according to an exemplaryembodiment. Although the process flow chart of FIG. 5 provides separateprocesses for devices based on the connection type (e.g., Bluetooth,Wi-Fi), the blocks of the processes can be combined, omitted or appliedto other connection types. At block 502, the wireless connection module214 can initiate a discovery process for electronic devices toconnection the vehicle 102. For example, the wireless connection module214 can initiate a search for electronic devices 106 with Bluetoothconnectivity and/or electronic devices 108 with Wi-Fi connectivity. Atblock 504, it is determined if the electronic device is a Bluetoothdevice (i.e., with Bluetooth connectivity). If the determination is YES,at block 506, it is determined if the electronic device has previouslyestablished a connection with the vehicle. For example, as describedabove, device characteristics (e.g., device ID, pairing codes) receivedfrom the electronic device can be used to query the data storage device208 to determine if the device characteristics data 234 includes datamatching the device characteristics for the electronic device.

If the determination at block 506 is YES, at block 508 it is determinedif a connection slot is available (e.g., open). The wireless connectionmodule 214 can query the connection slot list 232 to determine if aconnection slot is available. The connection slot list 232 manages ofall the active devices currently connected to the vehicle 102. Thus,when an electronic device connects to the vehicle 102, if a slot isavailable in the connection slot list 232, the connection is stored inthe connection slot list 232. As will be discussed herein, theconnection slot list 232 can include and store priority information.FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary illustrative connection slot listswith priority information according to an exemplary embodiment that willbe discussed in further detail herein.

If the determination at block 508 is YES, at block 510, the electronicdevice is added to the connection slot list and an operable connectionfor computer communication between the electronic device and the vehicleis established. In some embodiments, which will be described herein, theelectronic device and a priority assigned to the electronic device isstored in the connection slot list.

Returning to block 506, if the determination is NO (i.e., the electronicdevice has not previously established a connection with the vehicle),the method proceeds to block 512 where the wireless connection module214 stores the device characteristics of the electronic device at thedata storage device 208. Thereafter, the process can continue to blocks508 and 510 as discussed above.

Referring again to block 504, if it is determined that the electronicdevice is not a Bluetooth device (i.e., NO), the method proceeds toblock 514 where the wireless connection module 214 authenticates theelectronic device. Authentication can include receiving a password fromthe electronic device. At block 516, it is determined if the electronicdevice has previously established a connection with the vehicle. Forexample, as described above, device characteristics (e.g., device ID)received from the electronic device can be used to query the datastorage device 208 to determine if the device characteristics data 234includes data matching the device characteristics for the electronicdevice.

If the determination at block 516 is YES, the method process to blocks508 and 510 as discussed above. If the determination at block 516 is NO,the method proceeds to block 518 where the wireless connection module214 stores the device characteristics of the electronic device at thedata storage device 208. Thereafter, the process can continue to blocks508 and 510 as discussed above.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the prioritization module 216 executable bythe processor 204 assigns a priority to each electronic device based onthe device characteristics and a priority rules set stored at the datastorage device. For example, the device characteristics data 234 and thepriority rules set 236 stored at the data storage device 208.

The priority assigned to each electronic device can be a value, forexample, any numerical or other kind of value for distinguishing betweentwo or more priority states. For example, in some cases, the prioritymay be given as a percentage between 0% and 100%, where 0% refers to alow priority and 100% refers to a high priority. In other cases, thepriority value could be a value in the range between 1 and 10. In stillother cases, the priority value, but could be associated with a givendiscrete state, such as “high priority”, “low priority”, “no priority”,“extremely high priority”, “medium priority”.

The priority rules set 236 includes schemas for prioritizing theconnections of electronic devices based on the device characteristicsand/or a vehicle context. These schemas can be predefined and/ormanually defined by user input. The priority rules set 236 is applied bythe prioritization module 216 to determine and assign a priority foreach electronic device. Table 1, shown below, illustrates an exemplarypriority rules set. In Table 1, the value 1 indicates the highestpriority, however, it is understood, that in other embodiments, value 1could indicate a different level of priority (e.g., the lowestpriority).

TABLE 1 Device Characteristics (i.e., Data Type) Priority Health 1Activity 2 Notifications/Alerts 3 Streaming 4 Remote Control 5

In some embodiments, the priority rules set can include priority forsub-data types of the data types. For example, a health data typeindicating heart rate may have a higher priority than a health data typeindicating perspiration rate. Table 2, shown below, illustrates anexemplary priority rules set with sub-data types. In Table 2, the value1 indicates the highest priority, however, it is understood, that inother embodiments, value 1 could indicate a different level of priority(e.g., the lowest priority).

TABLE 2 Device Characteristics (i.e., Data Type) Sub Data Type PriorityHealth Heart Rate 1 Health Respiration Rate 2 Health Perspiration Rate 4Activity Acceleration 3 Notifications/Alerts Calendar Notification 6Notifications/Alerts Alarm Alert 5 Streaming Audio 6 Streaming Video 7Remote Control Infotainment System 9 Remote Control HVAC 8

In some embodiments, the method at block 310 can include determining avehicle context based on information received from one or more vehiclesystems of the vehicle. For example, the prioritization module 216executable by the processor 204 can determine a vehicle context based oninformation received from one or more vehicle systems and/or sensors 220of the vehicle 102. The vehicle context can indicate a current vehiclescenario. For example, vehicle ignition ON, vehicle ignition OFF, normalvehicle driving, vehicle traffic, hazardous driving, vehicle occupancy,among others. Thus, in one embodiment, at block 306, assigning thepriority to each electronic device is based on the vehicle context, thedevice characteristics and the priority rules set stored at the datastorage device.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the priority rules set can includeschemas for prioritizing electronic devices based on a vehicle contextand device characteristics. Table 3, shown below, illustrates anexemplary priority rules set including priority schemas based on vehiclecontext and device characteristics. In Table 3, the value 1 indicatesthe highest priority, however, it is understood, that in otherembodiments, value 1 could indicate a different level of priority (e.g.,the lowest priority).

TABLE 3 Device Characteristic (i.e., Vehicle Context Data Type) PriorityVehicle Ignition ON or OFF Remote Control 1 Notifications/Alerts 2Normal Driving Streaming 1 Activity 2 Health 3 Heavy Traffic and/orHazardous Health 1 Driving Notifications/Alerts 2 High Vehicle OccupancyStreaming 1 Activity 2

In another embodiment, the prioritization module 216 can determineand/or assign the priority to each of the plurality of electronicdevices based on user input. For example, user input can be receivedfrom a driver and/or vehicle occupant via an electronic deviceassociated with the driver and/or vehicle occupant or from a humanmachine interface in the vehicle. Thus, a user of at least one of theelectronic devices can manually set and/or modify the priority of theplurality of electronic devices. Upon receiving the user input, theprioritization module 216 can assign and/or modify a priority of anelectronic device.

In some embodiments, assigning a priority to each electronic devicebased on the device characteristics and a priority rules set stored atthe data storage device includes storing the priority in the connectionslot list 232 and/or the device characteristics data 234. The priorityis associated with the device, for example, the device ID. As mentionedabove, the connection slot list 116 manages of all the active devicescurrently connected to the vehicle 102. In one embodiment, theprioritization module 216 stores the priority of the electronic devicesin the connection slot list 232.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the method can also include at block 312detecting a trigger event. Upon detection of a trigger event, control ofdata transmission can be effectuated as will be described herein.Accordingly, in one embodiment, if a trigger event is detected (i.e.,YES), the method proceeds to block 316. Thus, upon detecting a triggerevent at block 312, controlling the data throughput between eachelectronic devices and the vehicle based on the priority assigned toeach of the plurality of electronic devices. Otherwise, the methodproceeds to block 314 and the method ends. It is understood that in someembodiments, block 312 can be processed prior to blocks 304 and/or 306.

In one embodiment, the wireless connection module 214 can detect thetrigger event based on information received from one or more vehiclesystems and/or sensors 220 of the vehicle 102. For example, a triggerevent can be detecting a number of electronic devices actively connectedto the vehicle meets and/or exceeds a predetermined threshold. Forexample, the wireless connection module 214, based on the connectionslot list 232, can determine a number of electronic devices currentlyconnected to the vehicle 102. If the number of electronic devicescurrently connected to the vehicle 102 meets and/or exceeds apredetermined threshold (i.e., stored at the data storage device 208), atrigger event is detected to effectuate control of data transmission.

As another example, the trigger event can be based on a currentbandwidth usage of the vehicle network. Thus, the wireless connectionmodule 214 can determine a current bandwidth usage of the vehiclenetwork from, for example, data from the communication interface 210and/or the connection slot list 232. The wireless connection module 214can compare the current bandwidth usage of the vehicle network to apredetermined bandwidth threshold (e.g., peak usage), stored, forexample, at the data storage device 208. If the current bandwidth usagemeets and/or the predetermined bandwidth threshold, a trigger event isdetected to effectuate control of data transmission.

Thus, at block 316, the method includes controlling data transmissionbetween each electronic device and the vehicle based on the priority. Inone embodiment, the wireless connection module 214 executable by theprocessor 204 can control data transmission between each electronicdevice and the vehicle based on the priority assigned by theprioritization module 216. Controlling data transmission can include,but is not limited to, increasing and/or decreasing data throughputbetween each of the plurality of electronic devices and the vehicle,stopping and/or starting data transmission between each of the pluralityof electronic devices and the vehicle, transmitting and/or receivingselective data between each of the plurality of electronic devices andthe vehicle, and optimizing bandwidth between each of the plurality ofelectronic devices and the vehicle. It is understood controlling datatransmission can be accomplished in various ways, for example removingredundant data messages, data stream management, or sequencing,modifying data compression, changing rules, modes, and/or datatransports, among others.

More specifically, controlling data transmission is based on thepriority assigned to each of the plurality of electronic devices. Forexample, controlling data transmission can include increasing datathroughput of electronic devices with a higher priority than electronicdevices with a lower priority. Thus, the wireless connection module 214can, in some embodiments, compare the priority of each of the electronicdevices to determine which electronic device has a higher priority andcontrol data transmission and/or throughput accordingly. In anotherexample, controlling data transmission can include increasing and/ordecreasing data throughput as a function of the priority assigned toeach of the electronic devices. In a further embodiment, controllingdata transmission can include transmitting data in an order based on thepriority assigned to each of the electronic devices. In anotherembodiment, controlling data transmission can include adjusting datathroughput of the electronic devices based on the priority assigned toeach of the electronic devices relative to a current bandwidth usage ofthe vehicle network. Furthermore, in one embodiment, controlling datatransmission can include adjusting data throughput of each electronicdevice as a function of the priority assigned to each electronic device.

It is understood that in some embodiments, the priority assigned to eachof the electronic devices can be updated. In some embodiments, theupdate can occur at blocks 302, 304, and/or 306. In other embodiments,the update can occur after block 316. For example, in one embodiment,the method can further include monitoring the vehicle network for achange in the number of electronic devices connected to the vehiclenetwork and upon determining the change, updating the priority assignedto each of the electronic devices connected to the vehicle network. Forexample, the wireless connection module 214 executable by the processor204 can monitor the vehicle network (e.g., requests for connection,changes in the connection slot list 232) for a change in the number ofelectronic devices connected to the vehicle network. If a change isdetected, the prioritization module 216 can determine and assign apriority to each of the electronic devices currently connected to thevehicle as discussed above.

In another embodiment, priority of the electronic devices can be updatedbased on a data transmission request from the electronic devices. Morespecifically, the method can include receiving a data transmissionrequest from one or more of the electronic devices, identifying the datatype associated with the data transmission request, and updating thepriority assigned to each of the electronic devices based on the datatype associated with the data transmission request. For example, thewireless connection module 214 executable by the processor 204 canreceive a data transmission request from one or more electronic devices.Alternatively, the wireless connection module 214 executable by theprocessor 204 can monitor the vehicle network for a data transmissionrequest from one or more of the electronic devices. The wirelessconnection module 214 can identify the data type associated with thedata transmission request. For example, the data type can be one of ahealth data type, an activity data type, a notification data type, astreaming data type, and a remote control data type. Based on theidentification of the data type and the priority rules set 236 stored atthe data storage device 208, the prioritization module can update thepriority assigned to each of the electronic devices.

Illustrative examples of determining and/or assigning priority andmanaging data transmission based on the priority will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B and the priority rules set shown inTable 3 above. As discussed, FIG. 6 represents an exemplary table ofdevice characteristics data 600. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplaryconnection slot lists 702 and 704 including priority values assigned toelectronic devices. It is appreciated, that in some embodiments, thepriority values could be stored as device characteristics data.

As shown in Table 3, an exemplary vehicle context can include normaldriving. Normal driving can be determined based on vehicle data receivedfrom vehicle systems and sensors 220. For example, vehicle data such asspeed, yaw rate, weather conditions, learned driving information,steering information, among others can be used to determine if a normaldriving conditions exists. Based on the vehicle context and datacharacteristics of each electronic device, and a priority rules set, apriority can be determined and assigned. Thus, according to the priorityrules set shown in Table 3, during a normal driving scenario, electronicdevices that provide the following data types are assigned a higherpriority: streaming data type, activities data type, health data type.

As another example, based on vehicle information received from vehiclesystems and sensors 220, the number of vehicle occupants can bedetermined. If the number of vehicle occupants is high (e.g., ascompared to predetermined threshold), a high vehicle occupancy vehiclecontext is determined. According to Table 3, during high vehicleoccupancy, electronic devices that provide the following data types areassigned a higher priority: streaming data type and activities datatype.

In FIG. 7A, the priority assigned to each electronic device is based ona normal driving vehicle context described above. Thus, theprioritization module 216 analyzes and compares the devicecharacteristics data 600 for each electronic device and applies thepriority rules set for normal driving context to determine a priorityfor each electronic device. In FIG. 7A, connected device 4S is assignedthe highest priority (i.e., 1) because the connected device 4A providesstreaming, activity and health data types.

In FIG. 7B, the priority assigned to each electronic device is based ona high vehicle occupancy vehicle context described above. Thus, theprioritization module 216 analyzes and compares the devicecharacteristics data 600 for each electronic device and applies thepriority rules set for normal driving context to determine a priorityfor each electronic device. In FIG. 3B, connected device 3M is assignedthe highest priority (i.e., 1) because the connected device 3M providesstreaming only. However, in another embodiment, connected device 4Scould be assigned the highest priority (i.e., 1) because the connecteddevice 4S provides streaming and activity data types. However, if otherdevice data characteristics are considered, since the user of theconnected device 3M is indicated as a Teen and the user of the connecteddevice 4S is indicated as a Senior, streaming content from the connecteddevice 3M may be preferred. Accordingly, the prioritization module 216can aggregate, average and/or weight different characteristics.

The examples discussed above refer to priority during a normal drivingscenario and a high occupancy scenario. As mentioned, other scenarioscan be contemplated with predetermined rules (e.g., characteristics,factors) for priority. For example, in an ignition ON or ignition OFFscenario, devices with remote control data types and notification datatypes may be assigned a higher priority. In a high traffic and/ordangerous driving area, devices with health data types and notificationdata types maybe assigned a higher priority. It is understood that othervehicle scenarios and other predefined characteristics (e.g., rules,factors) can be implemented for assigning a higher and/or lower priorityfor a device during said vehicle scenarios.

The embodiments discussed herein may also be described and implementedin the context of non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring computer-executable instructions. Non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media includes computer storage media andcommunication media. For example, flash memory drives, digital versatilediscs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and tape cassettes.Non-transitory computer-readable storage media may include volatile andnonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any methodor technology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, modules, or other data. Non-transitorycomputer readable storage media excludes transitory and propagated datasignals.

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the above-disclosedand other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof,may be desirably combined into many other different systems orapplications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended tobe encompassed by the following claims.

1. A method for managing electronic devices with a vehicle, comprising:establishing operable connections for computer communication betweenelectronic devices and the vehicle in a vehicle network, includingcommunicating device characteristics between each electronic device andthe vehicle, wherein the device characteristics are stored at a datastorage device, the device characteristics including at least one ormore data types capable of transmission between each electronic deviceand the vehicle; assigning a priority to each electronic device based onthe device characteristics and a priority rules set stored at the datastorage device; and controlling data transmission between eachelectronic device and the vehicle based on the priority.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the data types includes at least one of: a healthdata type, an activity data type, a notification data type, a streamingdata type, and a remote control data type.
 3. The method of claim 1,further including determining a vehicle context based on informationreceived from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle.
 4. The methodof claim 3, wherein assigning the priority to each electronic device isbased on the vehicle context, the device characteristics and thepriority rules set stored at the data storage device.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein controlling data transmission further includesincreasing data throughput of electronic devices with a higher prioritythan electronic devices with a lower priority.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein controlling data transmission further includes adjusting datathroughput of the electronic devices based on the priority assigned toeach of the electronic devices relative to a current bandwidth usage ofthe vehicle network.
 7. The method of claim 1, further including upondetecting a trigger event, controlling the data throughput between eachelectronic devices and the vehicle based on the priority assigned toeach of the plurality of electronic devices.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein detecting the trigger event further includes comparing a currentbandwidth usage of the vehicle network to a predetermined bandwidththreshold.
 9. The method of claim 1, further including monitoring thevehicle network for a change in the number of electronic devicesconnected to the vehicle network and upon determining the change,updating the priority assigned to each of the electronic devicesconnected to the vehicle network.
 10. The method of claim 1, furtherincluding receiving a data transmission request from one or more of theelectronic devices, identifying the data type associated with the datatransmission request and updating the priority assigned to each of theelectronic devices based on the data type associated with the datatransmission request.
 11. A system for managing electronic devices witha vehicle, comprising: a processor; a wireless connection moduleexecutable by the processor establishes operable connections forcomputer communication between electronic devices and the vehicle in avehicle network, wherein the wireless connection module identifiesdevice characteristics for each electronic device, the devicecharacteristics including at least one or more data types capable oftransmission between each electronic device and the vehicle; and aprioritization module executable by the processor assigns a priority toeach electronic device based on the device characteristics and apriority rules set stored at a data storage device, the data storagedevice operably connected for computer communication to the processor,wherein the wireless connection module executable by the processorcontrols data transmission between each electronic device and thevehicle based on the priority assigned by the prioritization module. 12.The system of claim 11, wherein the prioritization module executable bythe processor further determines a vehicle context based on informationreceived from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle and assigns thepriority to each electronic device based on the vehicle context, thedevice characteristics and the priority rules set.
 13. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the wireless connection module executable by theprocessor controls data transmission by adjusting data throughput ofeach electronic device as a function of the priority assigned to eachelectronic device.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the wirelessconnection module executable by the processor determines a trigger eventbased on the electronic devices and a current bandwidth of the vehiclenetwork and upon determining the trigger event, the wireless connectionmodule executable by the processor controls data transmission betweeneach electronic device and the vehicle based on the priority assigned bythe prioritization module.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein thewireless connection module executable by the processor monitors thevehicle network for a data transmission request from one or more of theelectronic devices, identifies the data type associated with the datatransmission request and the prioritization module updates the priorityassigned to each of the electronic devices based on the data typeassociated with the data transmission request.
 16. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, whenexecuted by a computer, causes the computer to perform a methodcomprising: establishing operable connections for computer communicationbetween electronic devices and a vehicle in a vehicle network, includingreceiving device characteristics between each electronic device and thevehicle and storing the device characteristics at a data storage device,wherein the device characteristics include one or more data typescapable of transmission between each electronic device and the vehicle;determining a priority for each electronic device based on the devicecharacteristics and a priority rules set; and controlling datatransmission between each electronic device and the vehicle based on thepriority.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 16, wherein the data types includes at least one of: a health datatype, an activity data type, a notification data type, a streaming datatype, and a remote control data type.
 18. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 16, further includingdetermining a vehicle context based on information received one or morevehicle systems of the vehicle and determining the priority for eachelectronic device based on the vehicle context, the devicecharacteristics and the priority rules set.
 19. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein controlling datatransmission further includes increasing data throughput of electronicdevices with a higher priority than electronic devices with a lowerpriority.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 16, wherein controlling data transmission further includesadjusting data throughput of the electronic devices based on thepriority assigned to each of the electronic devices relative to acurrent bandwidth usage of the vehicle network.